Success story
With ROM’s support Ojiambo can now see the future
“My name is Kenneth Ojiambo. I am 19 years old, living in Kirombe, Nakawa district in Kampala district. I came to Kampala in 2021 when my grandmother with whom I lived in Namayingo district sent me to my uncle in Kampala to learn mechanics. However, the decision to go for a mechanics course did not come easily. Having been my long-time guardian since childhood, she could not afford to continue sponsoring my education and my classmate also made me feel too old for primary school. In fact, they always laughed at me for looking way older than them.
While at my uncle’s place, I joined the Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SHE SOARS) boys’ peer group through which I have acquired various skills and made new friends. Through developing synergies with SIDECOLE, Reach Out Mbuya gave me the opportunity to acquire skills in mechanics. By the end of April this year, I am sure I will have gained enough practical knowledge in mechanics to sustain myself.
At the garage, my supervisor usually gives me some money after completing a few tasks. With this, I am able to meet my basic needs like buying clothes, shoes and other personal items.
With this opportunity, I have been able to avoid the bad peer pressure groups in the community which has automatically distanced me from bad habits like stealing and drug abuse.
My supportive uncle and teacher Mr. Luka motivate me to work even harder and own a garage.
Since I joined, SHE SOARS, my life has completely changed, I no longer feel the pain of dropping out of school and I can now see what the future holds for me.
I hope to work hard so as to be successful in life. When I get money in the near future, I will send it to my grandmother to buy for me cows.
I am so grateful to Reach Out Mbuya for connecting me to SIDECOLE which has sponsored my course. I have now acquired skills in mechanics and received a startup kit that has improved my wellbeing and that of other out of school adolescents.” Keneth Ojiambo narrated.
